'Numerous Fatalities' In South Florida High School Shooting; Suspect Identified As Former Student

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Wednesday, February 14, 2018
National Desk Staff

Seventeen people are confirmed dead in a shooter situation in south Florida at a high school Wednesday afternoon.

The shooter was later identified as Nikolas Cruz, 19, by a US official, as reported by the Associated Press. It was also confirmed that the suspect was a former student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel told reporters 12 victims were killed inside the school. Two others were killed outside the building. One person was killed on a nearby street. Two other victims were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

According to authorities, the suspect opened fire in the area of the school. The person was later detained near the school but it wasn’t specified if they were inside the school building at any time. Two law enforcement sources said the alleged shooter got out of the school after the shooting by blending in with other students who were trying to escape.

So far, authorities have not said if there is a second suspect.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office called in the SWAT team to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where a suspect opened fire Wednesday. The FBI was briefed on the situation as well and is now taking part in the investigation.

They tweeted, "Shooter is now in custody. Scene is still active. #stonemanshooting."

"So far we have at least 14 victims. Victims have been and continue to be transported to Broward Health Medical Center and Broward Health North hospital. #StonemanShooting."

The Broward Country School District tweeted a statement,“Today, close to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s dismissal, students and staff heard what sounded like gunfire. The school immediately went on lockdown but is now dismissing students. We are receiving reports of possible multiple injuries. Law enforcement is on site.”

WSVN reported that students on the ground outside of the school were being attended to by first responders. Some students and teachers were seen running from the building, while others were being escorted out by heavily armed law enforcement.

Margate Fire Rescue has been deemed it a mass casualty incident, which means there could be from 20 to 50 people injured. The Superintendent for Broward County Public Schools said there were "numerous fatalities" but did not give a specific number.

Teachers and students still within the school were asked to stay put and to hide until given further instruction.

Parents of students at the high school and a nearby middle school were informed that the middle school was also put on lockdown as a precaution.

Parents were told where to find their children as the school was being cleared.

"Any parent who is looking for their child, please go to the Marriot at 11775 Heron Bay Blvd. in Coral Springs." - Sheriff Israel #stonemanshooting"

President Trump was briefed on the situation as was Florida Governor Rick Scott.

President Trump tweeted his condolences, "My prayers and condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible Florida shooting. No child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school."

"Just spoke with @POTUS about shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. My thoughts and prayers are with the students, their families and the entire community. We will continue to receive briefings from law enforcement and issue updates."

First Lady Melanie Trump tweeted, "My heart is heavy over the school shooting in Florida. Keeping all affected in my thoughts & prayers."

Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted, "Just spoke to Broward School Superintendent. Today is that terrible day you pray never comes."

House Speaker Paul Ryan sent a statement, "This is an unspeakable tragedy. It is nothing short of true evil to attack innocent children. While we now wait to learn more, we are so grateful to law enforcement and all those who brought this horror to an end. Let us all keep the victims in our hearts. A long night lies ahead for many families. Right now, the whole country is standing with the Parkland community."

Jeb Bush tweeted, "Praying for all impacted by the horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward, especially the victims and their families."